Virtual gold trail to mark Paddy’s find

A mobile application exclusive to the Goldfields will be released next year in celebration of the 125th anniversary of Paddy Hannan’s lucrative gold discovery.

The Gold Industry Group announced a digital gold trail for Kalgoorlie-Boulder would be unveiled next year at this morning’s Digital Mine breakfast at the Hannans Club.

It will be the second instalment of the group’s Heart of Gold Discovery Trail, with a Perth-based gold trail scheduled to be available for download from September 30.

Group director Phillip Cochineas said it would provide an “interactive gold experience” while recounting the region’s mining history.

“It’s bringing the gold rush back to Kalgoorlie-Boulder,” he said.

“Our long-term vision is to have multiple trails in key gold mining areas around Australia.”

“Kalgoorlie-Boulder played an important role in shaping, not only WA’s history, but Australia’s gold history.”

The Perth trail will start at Elizabeth Quay, before directing users to 12 historical gold locations throughout the city before ending at the Perth Mint.

The Kalgoorlie-Boulder track is expected to follow a similar format and bring people to the area’s significant sites, detailing the Goldfields’ mining history.

An exact release date for the app has not yet been set, but the group aims to unveil the track near the 125th anniversary celebrations.

Group chairman Richard Hayes said Kalgoorlie-Boulder is where it all started.

“Still today, it remains the richest source of gold in the world,” he said.

“We look forward to working with the industry, local council, schools and the community on this project, as it is through initiatives such as these that we will continue the legacy of gold across the country.”